Ben May Library Events Coming Up In May

MOBILE, Ala. — In partnership with the Downtown Mobile Alliance and United for Libraries, Ben May Main Mobile Public Library will be designated as a national “Literary Landmark” with a plaque unveiling ceremony on May 12 to honor the life of Mobile’s “Renaissance Man,” Eugene Walter, who is buried steps away from the library in the Church Street Graveyard. The unveiling will take place on the Scott Street side of the library at 4 p.m., and a reception will follow in the Armbrecht/Briskman Meeting Room. There is also a special exhibit called “Kaleidoscope: The World of Eugene Walter.

Additionally, the 2022 Mobile Literary Festival will be held on May 14 at the Ben May Main Library. During the free event, visitors can browse The Haunted Book Shop’s local author showcase and pop up shop, hone editing skills with award-winning author Johnnie Bernhard, improve researching skills, give their best pitch during a live “Pitch Wars” and more. There will also be a special appearance by Alabama Poet Laureate Ashley M. Jones, who will host a Youth Writing Workshop at 10 a.m.